There is always a reason to celebrate that special person in your life, your sibling, co-worker or friend that is also a book lover. Hence, the importance of this post on a gift guide for book lovers. You might not be big on books like the person you want to get the gift for or you might just be out of ideas on what to buy for that person.
Buying books for your book-loving friend/lover/sibling/family member is good but there are a variety of things you can choose from in this gift guide for book lovers. This gift guide also covers all budget sizes. It does not matter if your budget is small, medium or above and beyond you will find something in this gift guide for book lovers.
Gifts for a book lover
Book sleeves:
Book sleeves or gloves are protection for hardcover or paperback books. They prevent the book from further wear by providing a cushion especially when it’s in a bag. Your book-loving friend will appreciate this gift. It is a good gift idea for someone who reads hardcovers or paperbacks and also takes them out.
Scented candles:
If the person you are buying scented candles for is a bookstagramer, this will come in handy because it is a great prop. Various stores sell online candles in Nigeria.
Mug:
No, not just any mug, something that has book lover vibes all over it. Don’t just present a plain mug to your friend. Add a bookish twist to it.
Bookmarks:
Bookmarks come in various sizes and styles. There are unique ones that your book-loving friend will forever cherish.
Journals/reading logs:
I try to avoid stereotypes but it is most likely your book-loving friend will be into journals, planners, and reading logs. A journal that suits that person’s style will be appreciated.
Tote Bags:
Tote bags can never go out of style, a tote bag with a bookish saying or quote might be all that your friend needs.
Book Vouchers:
I know book stores in Nigeria have book vouchers which could also serve as a gift. Instead of buying books your friend might not like, a book voucher can be presented instead. You are silently saying, “I really want to buy you books but I want you to pick the ones you want”
A signed copy of a book:
Make that extra effort to get that book signed by your friend’s favourite author, present it and watch as your friend gets excited about the discovery.
Tees or sweaters:
What speaks more boldly than a tee or sweatshirt with a bookish saying on it. You can make it more special by buying a shirt in your friend’s favourite colour and with a favourite quote.
First print edition:
If your friend is a lover of classics, first print editions will hold so much meaning to him/her. You can get an author’s collection or a personal favourite.
Reading Lamp:
Especially in a country like ours, a reading lamp is a thoughtful gift for a book-loving friend. Book lovers read past their bedtime, this is a brilliant gift.
Letterboard/ Framed Words With Their Favourite Bookish Quote:
If you know your friend’s favourite quote from a book or general quote, why not frame it? Or get a letter board with those words on it.
Clear up their tbr pile:
Most book lovers have an unending list of books they want to get, you can ask your friend for the top 5/10 books that he/she really wants to get. This is better than buying a random book because your friend might collect the book politely and never read it.
Gift box:
There are some items listed above (scented candles, mug, vouchers, stationery) amongst other things that can fit in a box. You can get a gift box or curate one based on your friend’s taste.
Online reading app subscription:
A lot of money goes into buying books. Your friend will be flooded with relief when you offer to pay off some months for his/her reading subscription. While this gift might not be tangible, it is thoughtful and impactful. Most people believe book buying stops at the bookstore but Audible/Scribd are witnesses that book buying still goes on.
Kindle/tab:
A kindle is an e-reader which is designed and marketed by Amazon, gifting a friend a kindle or tablet is a great way of encouraging their ebook journey (if they have started) and introducing them to it if they have not.
Tickets to book festivals or events:
Every year, different book events and major book festivals are held (side-eye, COVID). These things are not cheap and trust me when I say your friend will be elated when you decide to gift him/her with tickets.
Bookshelf:
I will not advise you get a bookshelf for someone without proper knowledge of basic things like the house (s)he lives in if they already own a bookshelf and their house theme. This will make a great gift for a book-loving sibling or partner but make sure you run several background checks to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
Literary Hotels:
This screams ‘over the top’ but there are literary hotels across the world each with its quirkiness. There are some with book butlers others boast of hotel rooms named after famous authors. This will be one experience your friend or you (if you decide to gift yourself) will never forget.
As a book lover, what gift would you like to get?